News Release

Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies (Terumo BCT), officially inaugurated its new Africa headquarters and regional training center in Nairobi. The facility will support Kenya and the wider East African region by strengthening local capacity to use advanced technologies that improve access to safe blood. Terumo BCT is a medical technology company and global leader in blood management.

Kenya's national blood supply currently falls short of demand, estimated at 500,000 units annually based on World Health Organization guidelines. Automation, improved processing and enhanced technical capacity can help close this gap. The new Terumo BCT facility will help expand local proficiency in blood processing, apheresis and other lifesaving technologies.

The training center will offer hands-on training and education for clinicians, laboratory technologists and biomedical engineers. Participants will gain practical skills in technology operation, quality management and maintenance practices for Terumo BCT’s technologies. The center is designed to support healthcare professionals across Kenya and the region by building technical proficiency and strengthening local expertise to support high standards of care.

The inauguration follows a series of high-level meetings between Terumo BCT’s global leadership, government leaders and health financing partners from December 1 through 3. Discussions focused on opportunities to accelerate progress in blood safety, sickle cell disease management and broader health system strengthening.

Kenya is implementing Terumo BCT’s whole blood automation technology, a step toward modernizing national transfusion services. Automation improves processing quality, optimizes available donations and supports goals under the country’s universal health coverage agenda.

Mr. Guracha Adi, Director at the Kenya Investment Authority (Invest Kenya), officiated the opening, noting “Invest Kenya welcomes Terumo BCT’s decision to establish its Africa Headquarters and Training Centre in Nairobi. This investment underscores Kenya’s increasing appeal as a regional hub for advanced medical technologies and capacity building. It aligns with our national agenda to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, enhance blood management systems, and support the country’s pursuit of Universal Health Coverage. We are confident that this facility will play a pivotal role in elevating technical expertise across the region.”

The event was also attended by Toshiaki Takagi, Chairman of the Board of Terumo Corporation, and Antoinette Gawin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Terumo BCT.

“This facility reflects our long-term commitment to Kenya and the region,” Takagi said. “By investing in local capabilities, we support stronger, more resilient health systems that can meet the needs of patients and communities across Africa.”

“Kenya is strengthening healthcare access and advancing medical innovation,” Gawin said. “We bring proven technologies suited to Kenya’s needs and are committed to continued investment in training that unlocks their full impact to build healthier communities.”

The relocation and opening of the Africa headquarters and training center marks a significant step forward in Terumo BCT’s commitment to local partnerships and capacity-building for sustainable, locally driven healthcare solutions. The investment directly aligns with Kenya's national health priorities, particularly its ambitious drive toward achieving universal health coverage and fostering self-sufficiency in healthcare.

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About Terumo BCT

Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies is a medical technology company. Our products, software and services enable customers to collect and prepare blood and cells to help treat challenging diseases and conditions. Our employees worldwide believe in the potential of blood and cells to do even more for patients than they do today. This belief inspires our innovation and strengthens our collaboration with customers. 

Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies' customers include blood centers, hospitals, therapeutic apheresis clinics, cell collection and processing organizations, researchers and private medical practices. Our customers are based in over 160 countries across the globe. We have 750+ granted patents, with more than 150 pending.

We have global headquarters in Lakewood, Colorado, U.S.A., along with four regional headquarters, eight manufacturing sites and six innovation and development centers across the globe. Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies is a subsidiary of Terumo Corporation (TSE: 4543), a global leader in medical technology.